Scientific Programme

Forest restoration: objectives, strategies and needs
Defining the scope of forest regeneration
Public demand and trends in policy making for restoration
Ecosystem services and natural capital
Linking citizens to forest restoration, community-based restoration
Advances in ecological theory affecting restoration strategies
Prioritization: what should be restored first?
Criteria and indicators for monitoring restoration success
Evolving needs for restoration to counter impacts from industry or development

Drivers of seedling establishment in the field, prediction of early performance
Seedling nutrient and carbohydrate dynamics during establishment
Water relations and seedling establishment
Identifying components of stress and assessing planting stress
Soil properties and root growth

Site preparation for restoration: effects on site microclimate and subsequent plant response under harsh conditions
Soil preparation to enhance root growth capacity and proliferation
Field fertilization
Vegetation control: mechanical, chemical, and alternatives
The role of shelter and protection in forest restoration
Biotic facilitation, such as nurse or cover crops
Biotic damage – browsing, grazing

The role of genetics in producing resilient ecosystems
Molecular genetics: application to selecting traits of interest
Breeding for insect and disease resistance
Species selection and population genetics
The role of non-native species
Anticipating global change: re-delineating seed zones and assisted migration